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Part Two - IN THE ZONE
Zan D. Christensen
So Many Choices
When you finally locate that magical spot where you know you're going to see Mr. Big you now need to determine where to place a stand, and in order to do that you have to determine what kind of stand will work best. Today we have a wide assortment and several versions of stand types to meet any need, ranging from pop up ground blinds, tripods, ladder stands, climbing stands, hang on stands and swing stands. All of these are great choices, but I usually find one of these stand types will work best in any given stand location choice - that one spot where all stand placement factors come into focus, better said as In The Zone. Such factors include: expected path of buck's entry and travel through the stand site, wind direction, the rising or setting sun, and available background cover to hide in.
For me, being in the Zone means a broadside shot within 20 yards at a calm deer that has no idea I'm there until after I decided to let him know. Any number of scenarios create just as many variations to effectively accomplish this, whether it is a tripod tucked into a lightly trimmed dark green juniper with an oak tree next to or behind me, a ladder stand propped up into a large gnarly live oak, or a chain on stand hung high up in a red elm.
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The list goes on and on. Therefore, be flexible in your thinking as you study each stand site, and walk yourself through the possible strike zones to determine shooting lanes, looking through them for a stand site that offers optimum concealment concerning the bucks ability to see and scent you.
The Invisible Man
When evaluating a stand site take into consideration how much back ground cover it offers you. I'm more concerned with this than I am about stand height. Also, I prefer to hunt with the sun behind me and my target in front of me, that way the background cover breaks up my outline, creates dark shadows and puts me in the shade, allowing me greater freedom of movement when the anticipated moment arrives.
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If the buck looks in my direction he'll have to look in the general direction of the sun. Thus, I have stand sites for morning hunts, others for evening hunts and others still that can be hunted anytime of day given the wind direction cooperates because they are located in the deep shade of heavy canopied groves of trees.
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I absolutely hate to hunt with the low morning or evening sun in my face because I feel lit up, vulnerable and obvious, plus it's a nightmare trying to pick a spot for my shot.
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Effective background cover can be attained from the larger, wider telephone pole type trees with perpendicular branches (pines, and many softwoods), gnarly trees with large branches that abruptly jut out (oaks and other mast trees), and the dense dark Christmas tree type evergreens (junipers, firs, cedars, etc.).
Quiet Please
Depending on the stand, you'll most likely have to make some adjustments to eliminate stand noise. NOTE: NEVER MODIFY THE DESIGN OF A STAND! Doing so can compromise its structural integrity and safety features. However, to eliminate those buck busting noises I'll put a drop of liquid silicon (no scent) where pieces join and bolt together. I then make sure all nuts, bolts and fasteners are snug or tight depending on the function of the joined pieces. Snug for swivel joints, tight for fixed joints. Thin nylon washers placed between swivel joints, nuts and bolts help tremendously. Always contact the manufacturer for approval prior to any adjustments, applications or modifications; and heed their advice!
Also, stands sometimes squeak when you shift your body weight while sitting, or apply more weight on one foot than the other while standing. If the source of this noise is where the stand makes contact with the tree, try squirting some water (from your water bottle) on the bark where the stand makes contact. Where water doesn't work, place a thin strip of carpet between the stands' contact point and the bark. Again, if squeaks come from joints and other points in the stand, use a drop or two of liquid silicon, available in auto parts and hardware stores. In Part Three, we will delve into four important considerations concerning the wind and how we can use it to our advantage. -Zano
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